The Class Bully

I haven’t often given myself permission to walk away from toxic, petulant, drama-addicted, or abusive people.

In my school years, it was because I didn’t think I had a choice. I was stuck with them until graduation.

In the years when I clashed with those of an evangelical mindset, it was because I thought staying in the same ministry groups as them was important for my pastoral preparation.

In my pastoral years, it was due to holding fast to my ordination vows to minister impartially.

At almost 45 years old, I’m not so keen on coming up with rationalizations to put up with the class bullies any more. I finally no longer see doing so as an opportunity for growth, or in service of some greater good. I’m much more fond of moving on.

Of course, the counter argument is to stay, stand up to them, push back. The thing is that sometimes, that task truly falls to me and sometimes it doesn’t. And another lesson I’m learning is discerning when it’s one or the other.

I’m embracing my overdue realized freedom. Maybe some reader needs this to do so for themselves, too.